Black

Long-Lasting Vibrant Mulch

Although black color-enriched mulch is hard to find here in Colorado, believe it or not it is the second most popular selling color along the east coast and throughout the Midwestern states.  The first time I saw it used in a garden, I was taken aback.  Its presence makes a strong statement.  The statement of this garden is "established, grounded, anchored, and incredibly fertile."

55
00

1-5 cubic yards purchased

Mulch

46
00

6 plus yards, volume discount

Mulch

Considerations on Color

Black Mulch?  What does this say about my garden?   Perhaps imagine Black Mulch beneath a bed of purple petunias, or a blanket of Black Mulch with a sea of pink vincas relaxing upon it.  Black Mulch focuses our attention instantly on  the plants that it surrounds.

Benefits of Fine Grind Color-Enriched Black Mulch

  • Attractive look of color & texture
  • Reduces water loss
  • Suppresses weeds
  • Insulates against hot & cold
  • Promotes a beneficial environment for soil biology: earthworms, antinomies, protozoa, bacteria & fungi
  • Adds nutrients

Recommended Uses

  • Flower beds with a great deal of colorful blossoms
  • Making the statement in your landscape that your home is established and has a rich history

Directions for Use

  • Confirmation - Be sure to cross reference the product on your receipt of purchase to confirm you are reading the directions of use for the correct product.
  • Location of use  -  Our fine grind mulches work best when they are used in beds where small bedding plants will be grown.  A benefit of the fine grind mulches is their refined texture that amplifies the colors and textures of bedding plants.
  • Wind erosion - Fine grinds small particle size makes it vulnerable to wind erosion.  Because of this, the longevity of the mulch will be enhanced when it is used in protected areas, such as near a building, garden structure, trellis, hedge or dense tree foliage.  Also refer to depth when considering prolonging the mulches service.
  • Weed barrier - A barrier is considered optional. We have seen many successful mulched beds both with and without weed barrier. One consideration in forgoing weed barrier is the interaction of the life in the soil with the mulch layer.  Without a barrier, biology such as earthworms are more easily able to thrive in the area where the soil and the mulch mingle.  Another consideration for going without is that when you allow the longer spears of mulch to drive into the soil and mingle with it, a bond is formed that contributes to the lower level of mulch remaining in place.  Whereas the opposite is true when a weed barrier is present.  The barrier may form a fault line where the wind can easily lift the mulch particles away.
  • Depth - We recommend a depth of between 2 - 4" of fine grind be used when mulching a flower bed.  The goal of an adequate depth is not only to supress unwanted seed germination, but also to construct a mix and match of particles in order that the mulch particles are able to lock together and form one united mat of mulch. When we mulch too thin (under 2"), the mulch particles lie mostly horizontal and roll on one another rather than locking together. When we mulch too deep (over 4") with fine grind, the soil is starved for airflow that it needs in order to maintain a diverse biological ecosystem.
  • Surface cover - Keep in mind that our medium grind mulches are meant as a decorative surface cover rather than a soil amendment.  Long term, medium grind will contribute to your soil fertilit; however in the short term a fully composted soil amendment will provide superior results when incorporating into you garden beds soil.
  • Using color -
  • Using texture - Texture is always of consideration.  You may want the texture of your landscape to be complementary.  A fine grind mulch brings with it a smooth refined texture.  The consistently elegant particles may complement your home's design or the texture of nearby foliage.  For example, pine tree foliage has a fairly rugged texture.  If you want to tame the pine's texture, then using a fine grind mulch would help to that end.  If you want to accent the pine's rugged foliage or magnify it, then a coarser medium grind mulch would be more appropriate.  A second example of where a fine grind mulch produces a wonderful complement of textures would be in a flower bed.  The smaller mulch particles channel the attention of onlookers to the foliage and the delicate blossoms.  If your landscape, home, and even personality is on the formal side of the scale, then fine grind mulch will aid wonderfully to provide that structure.  However, if you are working to achieve a more rugged or untamed texture, then a medium grind mulch would be better suited to that end.